[ he's grateful for the familiarity of aral's presence, and it's honestly fascinating to see how like he is to the older version of himself. how unlike, as well, because there's something more.. expressive about him. but then, he's still relatively young at this point, isn't he?

he pops the lid off his coffee as they walk, blowing across the top carefully. the demand earns a small, private smile. ] Nothing, Sir, only it's been quite some time since he moved on to broaden his career. [ he hesitates, pushing the lid back on, lips thinning thoughtfully. ] If I had to guess, I'd say there's about two decades between the two of us right now. Give or take a few years. You're in your mid-sixties as I know you.

[ god, this is.. hard. harder than he expected it to be, given what their relationship has been like. he was afraid he'd never see he and cordelia again, and now here's aral, but..

his brows pinch together, and he has to force his expression to smooth again. ] Emperor Gregor succeeded the throne. You're Prime Minister now.